Which of the two trumpets?

PDXbugler · Regular Member Joined: 29 Mar 2019 Posts: 54 Location: OR

I realize the forum is by high level musicians about high level equipment, but it's for this reason that I've come to you.

My nephew is about to complete his first school year of playing trumpet and I wish to gift one to him. I want it to be new and within my limited budget of $250. I've been studying about them and reading reviews for a couple of weeks and narrowed it down to two models:

Allora ATR-250S (Silver)

http://allorainstruments.com/instruments/allora-student-series-bb-trumpet-atr-250/

Jean Paul TR-330N (Nickel)

https://jeanpaulusa.com/products/the-student-trumpet-tr-330n

Which of the two is the better choice?

Thank you!

pinstriper · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 6:38 pm Post subject:

Honestly, the criteria of "new" and $250 are at crossed purposes with gifting him a horn worth the having.

The triple constraint applies. Change at least one criteria. Either spend more, don't get new, or don't get him a trumpet - consider a few lessons with a GOOD teacher.
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PDXbugler · Regular Member Joined: 29 Mar 2019 Posts: 54 Location: OR

Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3187

https://www.dillonmusic.com/brass/trumpets/bb-trumpets/?mode=grid&limit=24&sort=popular&max=416&min=0&sort=popular&brand=0

A number of used name brand trumpets for around $200 from a trustworthy dealer.

TrumpetMD · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 7:01 pm Post subject: Re: Which of the two trumpets?

kehaulani · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 7:05 pm Post subject:

Just to give you a further perspective, while there are good, professional players on this forum, there is also a variety of come-back players and hobbyists. There is no attempt at arrogance or condescension towards you, only well-intentioned personal experience and facts that we know.

So this forum is not only a "forum.. by high level musicians about high level equipment".

I won't say it's not impossible, but I also don't know how I, personally, would find a good, new trumpet at $250.00. I would certainly not buy one sight-unseen, unless it was from an Internet seller with a liberal return policy.
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PDXbugler · Regular Member Joined: 29 Mar 2019 Posts: 54 Location: OR

PDXbugler · Regular Member Joined: 29 Mar 2019 Posts: 54 Location: OR

TrumpetMD · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 7:11 pm Post subject: Re: Which of the two trumpets?

Dennis78 · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 7:13 pm Post subject:

They’re both decent student grade trumpets with many happy owners. I would get the Allora since it’s real silver plate. Nickel is cool until it needs repair
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a few different ones

PDXbugler · Regular Member Joined: 29 Mar 2019 Posts: 54 Location: OR

Brad361 · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 8:04 pm Post subject:

Christian K. Peters · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 8:28 pm Post subject: Which of two trumpets

Hello,
Neither. Buy a used Yamaha 2335, Olds Ambassador or Getzen 300. You can get him a shiny, new horn when he/she wants to stick with it.
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amzi · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 8:58 pm Post subject:

I faced a similar dilemma when my granddaughter began playing. As a small girl I felt that a cornet would be a better fit, so I bought her a used King cornet for about $75. A King trumpet would cost more. Then I spent a bit more than $300 at a discount repair shop to have then dents removed have the horn relacquered. (Taylor Music Aberdeen, SD). I also spent about $75 to buy her a new case. I'm pretty sure I could not have give her the "new horn" experience with a quality horn for less. So I think your $250 ceiling is about $200 low. It might be better to save up a bit to give him the horn.
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LittleRusty · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 9:21 pm Post subject:

[quote="PDXbugler"]

Rapier232 · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 10:26 pm Post subject:

Over the years I have purchased lots of ‘used’ horns. Most of which looked like new and you could not tell that they were used. My advice is to search for a better quality used instrument, that is in really good condition. Cheap horns are cheap for a reason.
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Brassnose · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2019 11:54 pm Post subject:

Horns are personal; maybe let the kid choose the favorite horn? A trip to Dillons or similar location is fun for everyone.
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Trompette111 · Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2019 12:36 am Post subject:

I do not know those trumpets. They are both cheap and they are probably not too good. You must try them and make a decision on what is the best for you at this time.

omelet · Veteran Member Joined: 08 Nov 2007 Posts: 245

First school year of playing trumpet...what is he playing now? Is there something wrong with the trumpet he has?

What about next year? You gonna buy another trumpet for him then? Why does the gift have to be a trumpet? Could get him a mute or an arbans or something. The look on his face will last only moments, as will the satisfaction you get from it.

Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3187